The third-seeded Los Angeles Lakers bounced back on Tuesday with a 94-85 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the first round of the playoff game. The Crypto.com Arena again witnessed the athleticism of Luka Doncic. He continued to prove why his midseason acquisition is paying off for the Lakers in a big way.
On the defensive end, the Lakers stepped up in a major way, holding the Timberwolves to their lowest point total of the entire season. With this victory, Los Angeles managed to even the series at 1-1.
Luka’s Magic Helps Los Angeles Lakers Level The Series
Each passing game makes it clearer that adding Doncic was one of the smartest moves made by the franchise to boost their championship hopes. He delivered a near triple-double with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.
Doncic shot 9-for-20 from the field and was flawless from the free throw line, going 11-for-11. Luka poured in 16 points in the opening quarter alone as the Lakers raced to a commanding 34-15 lead.
PLAYOFF LUKA IS A SCARY SIGHT:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 23, 2025
31 POINTS
12 REBOUNDS
9 ASSISTS
9/20 FG
11/11 FT
HIM. 😤😤 (via @realapp_) pic.twitter.com/7eEyNYR3B0
Doncic’s Game 2 heroics etched his name alongside Lakers legends. He is now just the third player in franchise history to record back-to-back 30-point performances to start a playoff career with the team, joining Shaquille O’Neal and George Mikan.
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LeBron James offered strong support with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Austin Reaves added 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Rui Hachimura contributed 11 points.
For the Timberwolves, Julius Randle led the way with 27 points and six assists. Anthony Edwards, who trash-talked Luka before the game, tallied 25 points and six rebounds. But the Lakers held him without an assist. Rudy Gobert had six points, while Naz Reid scored nine points in the loss.
